Editing Chemical synapse (section)

===Receptor binding===
Receptors on the opposite side of the synaptic gap bind neurotransmitter molecules. Receptors can respond in either of two general ways. First, the receptors may directly open [[ligand-gated ion channel]]s in the postsynaptic cell membrane, causing ions to enter or exit the cell and changing the local [[transmembrane potential]].<ref name=":0" /> The resulting change in [[voltage]] is called a [[postsynaptic potential]]. In general, the result is ''excitatory'' in the case of [[Depolarization|depolarizing]] currents, and ''inhibitory'' in the case of [[Hyperpolarization (biology)|hyperpolarizing]] currents. Whether a synapse is excitatory or inhibitory depends on what type(s) of ion channel conduct the postsynaptic current(s), which in turn is a function of the type of receptors and neurotransmitter employed at the synapse. The second way a receptor can affect membrane potential is by modulating the production of [[second messenger system|chemical messengers]] inside the postsynaptic neuron. These second messengers can then amplify the inhibitory or excitatory response to neurotransmitters.<ref name=":0" />